Electric switch construction



June 16, 1936. H. A. DOUGLAS 2,044,055

Q ELECTRIC SWITCH CONSTRUCTION Original Filed Feb. 8, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet l T id 20 4% l if/ l4 /9 l 8 lNVENTOR HARRY A, DOUGL A5 f M v By a ATTY June 16, 1936. H. A. DOUGLAS ELECTRIC SWITCH CONSTRUCTION Original Filed Feb. 8, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 xvi 11 7;11

INVENTOR HARRY A. DOUGLAS} & I

June 16, 1936. H, A, D U A 2,044,065

ELECTRIC SWITCH CONSTRUCTION Original Filed Feb. 8, 1954 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTO/P HARRY A. 00 1 -4 A5 BY 9M 14 TTX Patented June 16, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFlCEL Application February 8, 1934', Serial No..710,279 Renewed January 13, 1936 j 45 Claims. (01. zoos) My invention relates to electrical switches, and an object of my invention is to provide switches of improved construction and operation.

One, use for switches according to my invention is on automobiles, to control the headlights between so-called bright and dim conditions, and in this application I illustrate my invention by an embodiment suitable for that use. i

In the drawings-accompanying this specification, and forming part of thisapplication:

Figure 1 is a view of the illustrated embodiment of my invention, generally in central vertical section, but with some parts shown in elevation.

Figure 2 is a view at right angles to the view of Figure 1, on the line 2-4 of Figure 1, generally showing the casings in section and the remaining parts in elevation.

Figure 3 shows a horizontal section, on the line 3-3 of Figure 1. Figure 4 is a bottom plan view.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary'detail view, on the line 5-5 of Figure 2, showing the mechanism in I the position, as shown in Figure 1, prior to the initiation of its movement.

Figure 6 is a similar view, on the line 6 6 of Figure 2, showingadditional parts in section,

Figure '7 is a view of the same parts,-at right angles to the views of Figures 5 and 6, on the line l-i of Figure 6.

' Figure 8 is a view similar to Figure 1, but-illustrating the. position assumed by the parts just prior tofthe initiation of oscillation, and with 'certain parts broken away.

Figure 9 is a detail fragmentary view, on the- )5 line 9 -9 of Figure 8.

Figure 10-is an enlarged detail diagrammatical view of the contact making and breaking mech-' anism, as shown in Figures 5-7, showing in full linesthe position of the parts after the initia- 1) tion of oscillation in one direction and before the snap action has occurred, and showing in dot and dash lines the position assumed after] the snap has occurred, and the oscillationin that'direction has been completed.

Figure 11 is, a detail projection, in perspective,

of the parts constituting the energy storingelement of the switch.

I Figure 12 is a detail view, in. perspective, of the element by which the energy storing, element is ill actuated.

-- Figure 13 is a detailview, in perspective, of the supporting means.

Figure 14 is a detail view, in per pective, of the current continuing member.

3 Theembodiment of my invention herein disclosed comprises a cylindrical metal casing I, having at its upper end an elongated portion 2, of reduced diameter, serving to guide an axially reciprocable plunger 3, and closed at its lower end by a contact carrying plate or disc 4, of 5 insulating material, mounting the contact mak,-' ing and breaking mechanism within the casing I.

A mounting plate 5, as for securing the switch in position upon the floor board of an automotive vehicle, is secured to the casing i by the contact 10 carrying plate 4. To this end the open end of the casing l enlarged, as shown at 60 in Figures- 1 and 2, and this enlarged portion 60 is provided with a first pair of two diametrically opposed outstanding radial flanges 6, and with a second pair of diametrically .opposed outstanding radial flanges 1, spacedmidway between the flanges 6, and of lesser circumferential extent than the flanges 6, and the casing wall 60 is extended below the flanges 6 and l, to form two pairs of 20 diametrically opposed depending fingers 8. of equal width. I

The mounting plate 5 is herein shown, as an elongated strip of metalslightly wider than the diameter of the casing i, and substantially longer, 25 provided with 5; central opening 6|, primarily circular, of a diameter substantially equal to the ,exterior diameter of the enlarged base of the j casing l, but interrupted by reentrant integral oppositely disposed portions 9, projecting inward- 30 ,tact carrying plate "is of general disc form, provided ,with'oppositely disposed radial extensions I0 passing between the fingers 8 below the casi0 ing flanges 6, and'as shown particularly in Fig ures 2 and 4, the tips I I of the fingers! are bent over the exterior of the contact carrying disc I, to 'firmlyhold themounting plate 5 in engagement with the casing flanges 6 and I.

The periphery, of the, contact carrying disc 4 is trimmed opposite the mounting plate extensions 9, between the edges of. the fingers 8, as

shown at 84 in Figure 4, and the mounting plate 5 is depressed over its central port-ion, as shown, so that the upper surface of the mounting'plate lies in the same plane as or a little above the upper surfaces of the flanges G and 1, as shown in ,Figurel. The mounting plate extensions 9 are terminated in straight edges 65. parallel to each other and spaced equally from the axis or the casing I and a suflicient distance apart to clear the mechanism carried on the contact carrying plate 3, as shown in Figure 3. The radial extensions I3 oif the contact carrying plate 3 project longitudinally of the mounting plate 3,,in engagement with the under side thereoi, while the plate extensions 3 project transversely of the mounting plate 3, in engagement with the upper side of the'contact carrying plate 3, whereby the mounting plate 5 may be reduced in width and at the same time retain suilicient engaging surface for maintaining rigid positioning with the contact carrying plate 3.

The plunger 3 is secured to the top 33 of a plunger cap I2 surrounding the reduced portion '2 of the casing and having its skirt as depending therebelow with its lower end closely surthe-metalot plunger 3 is provided with an axial bore l3 terand with a transverse rounding the body portionl'l oithe casing I. Surrounding the reduced casing portion 2 is a coil spring I3 compressed between the shoulder 33 formed bythe reduction of the casing and the interior of the top 33 ot the cap l2 and serving to bias the plunger 3 to extended position. To limit reciprocation oi the plunger 3 in that direction, the cylindrical plunger is provided at its lower end with an extending rectangular end portion I3 forming a transverse shoulder 13, and the restricted casing portion 2 is struck in to form an abutment ll arranged to engage the shoulder when the plunger 3 has reached the limit 0! the desired outward movement.. v

The m or the restricted casing'portlon 2 is provided with longitudinal grooves I to receive and guide the longitudinal corners of the rectangular end portion ll of the plunger 3, and to prevent axial rotation of the plunger 3. The

minating adjacent the end secured to the cap I2, slot I2 extending upward toa level slightly above the upper face I3 of the rectangular end portion I3, dividing this portion of the plunger into two similar depending legs II disposed on opposite sides of the axis.

'A reciprocating operator. l3, preferably oi insulating material, is mounted in the transverse slot in the plunger 3, upon a pivot pin l3 exteriding through both legs ll of the' plunger 3.

The body of the operator I3 is tapered above the pivot to the diameter of the bore I3 in the plunger 3, and is terminated short of the end of the slot. A ,ball- 23 is mounted in the plunger bore l3, and is held in engagement with the operator I3 by a coil spring 2| compressed between the ball 23 and the end of the bore. The upper end 22 of the operator I3 is provided with a cutout 13, cut on the are 0! a circle concentric with the center of the ball 23, and this cut-out I3 normally receives the ball 23 in continuous contact therewith, whereby the longitudinal axis of the operator I3 normally is maintained coincident with the axis of the casing I. 4

The portion of the reciprocating operator |3 below the pivot I3 is tapered to form a narrower operating end I3 extending below the plunger 3 to cooperate with the operator 13 of the contact making and breaking mechanism As shown in Figures-1 and 2, the spring pressed.

ball 23 normally maintains the longitudinal center line, of the reciprocating operator |3 coincident with the axis of the casing I. As shown in'l 'igure 8, upon depression of the plunger, 3 the reciprocating operator i3 oscillates about its pivot I3 when the operating end I3 is brought eating operator |3'is such that the apices 23 always remain on their respective sides of the axis of the. casing I, so that whenever the plunger 3 is released from the depressed position, the action of the ball spring 2| causes the ball 23 to return the reciprocating operator l3 toits nor- 'mal position with the surface of the ball 23 in continuous engagement with the cut-out I3.

The contact making and breaking mechanism is all mounted within the casing on the contact carrying plate or disc 3. In the herein illustrated embodiment of my invention, three metallic electrical terminals are mounted upon the contact carrying plate 3. As shown in Figures 1, 2, and- 4, the terminals are of the construction disclosed in my'prior copending application, Serial No. 565,127, filed September 25, 1931. One terminal 23 is mounted on the axis of the casing I, and the other two terminals 23 and 23 are mounted equidistant from the terminal 23 on the diameter coincident with the longitudinal center line of the mounting plate 5. Each terminal is provided with a rectangular body I3 depending from the under side of the contact carrying plate 3 and having a portion thereof received in a similarly shaped recess 11 in the plate 3, to prevent rotation, and the upper ends 13 of the terminals 23 and 23 are of cylindrical formation, passing through the contact carrier 3, and then expanded to engage the interior surface of the carrier 3 to secure the terminals thereto and to form electrical contacts 21. The middle terminal 23 is provided with a similar cylindrical upper end I3, which passes through the carrier 3 and then through the base of a U-shaped metallic bracket 33, and the end of which is then expanded to form an electrical connection to the bracket 33, as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, and

at the same time, to mount the bracket 83 on the inner surface of the carrier 3.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, and in perspective in Figure 13, the bracket base 23 is centrally periorated at 3|, to receive the cylindrical portion I3 of the terminal 23. Opposite sides 01' the base base, as will be hereinafter described. Also, each 6 side of each arm 23 is extended adjacent the base to term angularly disposed feet 32 adapted to engage the inner surface oi the carrier 3 to impart'rigidity to the bracket 33, and if desired, one or moreoi the feet 32 may have a right angularly depending toe 33 adapted to be received in a similar recess in the carrier 3 to prevent ro-' tative movement. Outstanding fingers 33 are provided on each side oi each arm 29, awn- 1- mately midway between the base 23 and the axis of the circular openings 3|.

A metallic current continuing bridge 82 is mounted between the arms 29 of the bracket 28 for oscillation about an axis cutting the axis of the casing and parallel to the inner suriace of 75 e'ngage'ment alternately with the contacts 21 upon the terminals 25 and". The metal on each side of the transverse center line 92 is extended outwardly, and the sides of; the'extensions are curved upwardly on the arcs of similar circles having their respective centers lying .in the transverse center line of the upper surface of the bridge 82 coincidingwith the meeting edge of the angular surfaces thus to form supporting trunnions 31 supporting the bridge 82Lfor oscillation on an axis coinciding with-the meeting edge of the angular surfaces 35. Each side of the body of. the bridge 82, includinga portion of each' contact a foot 36 and the contiguous angular surface 35,

' is struck up at right angles to-the plane of the feet-36, to form similar stops 38, the

purpose of which will be hereinafterdescribed. v

The trunnion's 31 are mounted in circular or semicircular bearings 38'- for'med by the lower ends of the cut-outs 38 in the sides 29' of the supporting bracket 80, to support the bridge 82 midway between the contacts 21, with the axis of oscillation of the bridge 82 disposed'at right angles to the linethrough the centers of. the contacts 21, and a suflicient distance above the con- -tacts'21, so that when the bridge 82 is oscillated about its'axis the bridge feet 35 will make and .break electrical connection with the respective contacts 21 alternately;

The circuit,continuing bridge 82 is caused to oscillate by the cooperation of an' oscillating actuator 83 coacting with the oscillating operator 15 actuated by the reciprocating operator l8 ,upon reciprocation of the plunger 3.

' The actuator '83 is mounted upon a pivot pin 43 mounted in the apertures 31 in the arms 29 of the supporting bracket 80, and includes two similar metallic plates 44 provided, with apertures 41 adapted to receive the pivot pin 43 in sliding engagement therewith. These plates 44 terminate short of the high point of the current continuing bridge 82, and havethe lower portion of theiropposite longitudinal sides 84 struck up at right angles to the main body to form right angular flanges. 45 leaving oppositely disposed similar outstanding arms 45 extending from the body of the plate. The flanges 45 are of such extent that the longitudinal edges of opposedflanges engage. I

The elongated bearings 41 by which the actua tcr plates 44 are mounted upon the pivot pin 43 allow a sliding longitudinal movement of the plates 44 relative to the pin 43; When theupper'lends of the bearings 41 are in contact with theupper surface of ;the"pin 43 the upper surfaces of. the actuator arms 45 lie in'a plane passing slightly below theaxis'ofthe pivot pin, 43.

Mounted between the plates44, embraced by the flanges 45, is a spring housing 88 in the form of an inverted u, the extremities o: the sides 01 of which are provided with transverse flanges 49 adapted to pass under the-lower extremities of" theactuator flanges 45 and having their ends 88 inclined upwardly to engage the outer sides of the oppositely disposed actuator flanges 45 on each side of the housing and to. position the the upper side, of the pin 43,; placing housing top 89 at a distance'below the lower end of the actuator bearing apertures 41.

The housing48 receives in slidingengagement therewith adetent 58 in the form of a rectangular casing 'closed at one end in a rounded nose 5| and open at the other end to receive a coil spring 52 compressed between the interior of-the nose 5| and the interior of the housing top 89,

which may be provided with a central depression 9| to center that end of the spring 52. The

details of the oscillating actuator, housing, de-

tent, and spring, are shown in perspective in the projected" illustration in Figure 11.

As shown in Figure 12, the oscillating operator .15 is formed of a flat strip of. metal centrally struck up to form oppositely disposed similar angular fiat surfaces 53 sloping downwardly from the transverse center line 93 and terminating in upwardly extending tangential stops 54. The opposite sides of the operator 15 intermediate the stops 54 are struck downwardly to form depend-" ing perforated ears 55 adapted to encircle the pivot pin 43 between the actuator plates 44, to

mount the operator 15 for oscillation about the spivot pin 43.

When the bridge 82' and actuator 83 and operator 15 have been assembled upon the supporting bracket" 88' the fingers 34 of the bracket arms 29 are bent toward each other, as shown in Figure 2, to prevent the nose 5| from riding over "plunger 3 maintains its lower or operating end 14 in the axis' of the casing l,'above the underlying angular surfaces 53 of the oscillating operator 15, and the foot 38 of the current continuing bridge 82 is inengagement with the contact 21 of the terminal 25, and is maintained in electrical contact therewith bythe'action of the spring 52 holding the nose 5lof the detent 58 in engagement with the adjacent stop 38. The circuit making and breaking mechanismin this position is better illustrated in detail in Figures 5, 6, and 7.

When the plunger 3 is depressed, the lower end 14 of the pivoted operator I8 is brought into engagement with the opposed angular surface 53 of the oscillating operator 15, and rides thereover, turning about its axis l9, until it engages the adjacent stop 54. Upon continued depression of the plunger 3 the pivoted operator l8 imparts a rotative movement to the oscillating operator 15, and through contact of the engaged stop 54 with the adjacent actuator arms 46, bodily moves the actuator 83 in the directuntil the upper end of thev bearing 41 engages the detent spring 52 under greater compression than normal. Figure 8 shows the parts at this stage.

As the plunger 3 continues its downwardmove ment the motion is, transmitted through the -piv-' oted operator l8 to impart a rotative movement to the actuator 15 about the pivot 43, to cause thenose5l to travel over; the upwardly inclined surface 35 of the bridge 82, towards the high point 92of the bridge 82, to the position shown in fulllines in Figure bridge 82 in tighter contact with the engaged terminal 21, by reason of the increasing force of the spring 52 as the nose5l approaches the high point 92 of the bridge 82.

During this movement of the actuator 83 the 10, and holding the tion of the engaged stop 38 of the bridge 82,

actuator. operates as a bell-crank lever, pivoting on thepivot pin 48, and with the force applied .at the point of contact of the oscillating Operator 15 with the arm 46 of the actuator 83, indicated at P in Figure 10.

However, by reason of the lost motion pivot oi the actuator 83 on the pivot pin 43, the actuator 83 also is inherently capable of operating as a bell-crank lever pivoted at the point P, with the force applied at the point of engagement Q of the nose 5| with the bridge inclined surface 85.

At the beginning of the movement of the actuator ,88 this second operation is impossible, by reason of the fact that the operation would result in further insertion of the nose 5| into the frame or the actuator 83, and thus, in further compression of the spring 52, so that the force to produce the operation is lacking.

This condition continues until the nose 5l has traveled along the inclined surface 85 to ,the point Q, as indicated in full lines in Figure 10, when the line from the point P to the point Q is perpendicular to the inclined surface 85,

but immediately thereafter the parts assume a position where this second operation of the actuatonwill permit the nose 5| to emerge, and the spring 52 to expand, and accordingly, immediateiy the nose 5| posses this perpendicular position the second operation ensues, and the actuator 88 acquires the corresponding supplemental movement, moving the nose 5| in the same direc-' tion as the principal movement.

'Ifhis supplemental movement will occur before the actuator 83 has reached its central position, with the nose 5| at the crest or junction '82 of the inclined surfaces 35 of the bridge 82, and accordingly, beforethe actuator 88 otherwise is in position to snap to its other extreme position. Also, the supplementalmovement will continue to the fullextent of the lost motion in the pivot of the'actuator 88 onthejpivot pin 48.

Accordingly, I provide between the actuator 88 and the pivot pin 88 a lost motion of such extent that the supplemental movement will continue until the nose 5| has passed the crest 92 of the inclined surfaces 85 of the bridge 82, andthe actuator 88 is in position to snap to its other extreme position.

I In this way I provide a mechanism by which the parts are'snapped, not as they pass fcentral position, but before they reach central position, whereby there is a force acting positively to move the parts past centralposition, and the parts cannot stop in central position,- but pass central position with an augmented velocity.

Upon the succeeding depression ofthe plunger 3, the lower end H of the pivoted operator I8 will engage the opposite end 54 oi the oscillating operator l5, and the bridge 82 will be shifted in the reverse direction. The parts being in all respects symmetrical, the operation and action obviously are the same in both directions.

In either direction, until theparts reach the position where the supplemental movement oc-.

curs, the nose 5| holds the bridge .82 firmly in its original position, and upon release' ot the plunger 3 theparts will return to normal posi tion, without having imparted any movement to the bridge 82. Yet immediately the parts reach the position where the supplemental action occurs, the bridge 82 will be snapped to the alternative position. -The bridge 82 cannot rest in movements;

any intermediate position, regardless of any manipulation of the plunger 8.

The advantages of this characteristic will be well understood by those skilled in the art, and

accordingly, those skilled in the art will under- 5 stand that the herein disclosed embodiment of my invention does provide an improved electric switch.

However, while this particular embodiment oi. my invention does accomplish the object of my invention, the accomplishment of this object is 8 not confined to this particular embodiment.

Many changes and variations may be made, withoutdeparting from the spirit of my invention, or sacrificing the advantages thereof, and 15 1 means is so actuated in either direction, upon movement of said actuated means toward said central position first to store energy in said storage mechanism and then, before said actuated means reaches said position, to release said 30 energy, and cause said energy to throw said actuated means past said position.

2. An electric" switch, comprising: actuated means, having an oscillating movement through Y a central position, having also a reciprocating movement substantially radial of the axis of oscillation, and includingmeans whereby to be 8.0- Q tuated at a point oil-center, to produce both said energy storage mechanism; and cooperating means acting when said actuated 40 means is so actuated, upon oscillation ofsaid actuated means toward said central position first to store energy in said storage mechanism by reason of said reciprocating movement and then, before said actua means reaches said position, 45. to release said e em, and cause said energy to throw said actuated means past said position.

'3. An electric switch, comprising: actuated means, having a first movement through a central position, having also a second movement, and to including means whereby to be actuated at a point ofl-center, to produce both said movements; energy storage mechanism; andcooperating means acting when said actuated means is so actuated, upon movement of said actuated means 55 first movement and also by reason'ot said second movement, and then, before said actuated means reaches said position, to release that part 01- said 6 energy stored by said second movement, and cause said part to throw said actuated means past said-position, and thereupon, when said actuating means reaches said'position, to release that part of said energy stored by said first movement, and

cause that part to accelerate the movement of said actuated means. Q 4. An electric switch, comprising: actuated means. movable through a central position and including means whereby tobe actuated at a point oil-center; actuating means for so actuating s'aid actuated means; energy storage mechanism; and cooperating means actingwhen'said actuated means is so actuated, upon movement of said actuated means toward said central position first to store energy in said storage mec nisrn and then, before said actuated means reaches said position, to release said energy, and

cause said energy to past said position.

5. An electric switch, comprising: actuated means, movable through a central position and including means whereby to be actuated at a point oif-center; energy storage mechanism; and cooperating means acting when said actuated means is so actuated, upon movement of said throw said actuated means actuated means toward said central position said position.

first to store energy in said storage mechanism and then, before said actuated means reaches said position, to release said energy, and cause said energy to throw said actuated means past .6. An electric switch, comprising: actuated means, movable through a central position and including means whereby to beactuated 'at a point off-center;- energy storage mechanism, carried by said actuated means; and cooperating means acting when said actuated means is so actuated, upon movement of said actuated means toward said central position first to store energy in said storage mechanism and then, before said actuated means reaches said position, to release said energy, and cause said ener y to throw said actuated means past said position. v I

"I. An electric switch, comprising: actuated means, movable through a central position and including means whereby tobev actuated at a point oil-center; energy storage mechanism; co

operating means acting when said actuated means is so actuated, upon movement of said actuated means toward said central position'flrst to store energy in said storage mechanism and then, before said actuated means reaches said position, to release said ener y, and cause said energy to throw said actuated means past said position; and connections between said actuated means and said cooperating means whereby such movement of said actuated means operates said cooperating means.

8. An electric switch, comprising: actuated means, having a first movement through a cenmeans, movable. through a central position and including means whereby to be actuated at a I point off-center; energy storage mechanism; and

, cooperating means; said actuated means and said cooperating means comprising coacting cam means operating when said actuated means is so actuated, upon movement of" said actuated means toward said central position first to store energy in said storage mechanism and then; be

fore said actuated means reaches said position,

to release said energy; and said energy storage" mechanism operating then to throw said actuated means past said position. a

- 10. An electric switch, comprising: oscillating actuated means, oscillating through a central position and including means whereby to be actusaid member to its opposite end of oscillation.

atedat a point oil-center; energy storage mechanism; and cooperating means acting when said actuating means is so actuated, upon oscillation of said actuated means toward said central position first to store energy in said storage mech- 5 anism and then, before said actuated means reaches said position, tqrelease said energy, cause said energy to throw said actuated past said position.

11, An electricswitch, comprising: a member 10. mounted for limited oscillation about apivot. an actuator therefor, means mounting said actuator for oscillation about a normal axis and for oscillation about an eccentric axis, an oper tor 1 for the actuator mounted for oscillation and 16-,

adapted tooscillate said actuator, and means co operating with the actuator and said oscillating membernor mally maintaining said member at one limit of its oscillation and adapted upon cs.-

cillation of the operator to oscillate the actuator, 20-

to shift the actuator from its normal axisto rotate about its eccentric axis and snap member to the opposite end of oscillation.

1'2; Anelectric switch, comprising: a membermounted for limited oscillation, an actuator zfi therefor, means-mounting said actuator for osciliation about a'normal axis and also for oscillation about an eccentric axis; an operator forfthe actuator mounted for back and forth movement and adapted to engage and oscillate said actuator, .80" and means cooperating with the oscillating member and actuator normally maintaining said member at one limit of its oscillation and adapted upon movement of the operator to oscillate the actuator to shift the actuator fromits normal axis to rotate about its eccentric axis and snap. said member to the opposite end of oscillation.

13. An electric switch, comprising: a member mounted forlimite'd oscillation, an. actuator therefor, means mounting said actuator for oscil- 4.0 I

lation about a normal axis and also for actuation about an eccentric axis, spring means in cooperative connection with the oscillating member and the actuator normally maintaining said member at one limit fof its oscillationand adapted upon oscillation of the actuator to shift the actuator fromits normal axis, and means operable upon said shifting of the actuator to cause the actu ator to oscillate about its eccentric axis and snap.

14.' An electric switch, comprising: means movable from' one normal position to another; and means for actuating. said movable means into at least one of said normalpositions, with a snap action, said actuating means including a'member adapted to transmit force to said movable means,

' means for supporting said member, energy storing means, and means whereby operation of said actuating means initially causes relative substantially translatory motion only as between said supporting means and said member, to thereby store energy in said energy storing means, and thereafter causes said member to execute a tion of rotation.

15. An electric switch, comprising: means movable from one normal position to another; and means for actuating said movable meansinto at least one'of said normal positions, with a snap action, said actuating means includinga adapted to transmit force to said movable means,"

means for supporting said member, energy storing means, and means whereby operational. said actuating means initially causes relative {sub-: stantially translatory motion only as between said supporting means and said member, to 7 thereby store energy in said energy storing means, and thereafter causes said member to execute a motion of combined translation and rotation.

16. An electric switch, comprising: means movable from one normal position to another; and

' means for actuating said. movable means into at least one of said normal positions, with a snap action, said actuating means including a member adapted-to transmit force to said movable means, a pivot for supporting said member, said member having a slot extending longitudinally thereof,

said pivot being normally seated in one end of means and a slot in the other of said means, providing for oscillatingmovement of said actuated means, through a central position, and also for a reciprocating movement substantially radial of the axis of oscillation and including means ,whereby to be actuated at a point off-center, to

produce both movements; energy storage mechanism; and cooperating means acting when said actuated means is so actuated, upon oscillation of said actuated means toward said central posi- U tion first to store'energy in said storage mechanism by reason of said reciprocating movement and then, before said actuated means reaches said position, to release said energy, and cause said energy to throw said actuated means, past said position. 18. An electric switch, comprising: actuated means, movable through a central position and including means whereby to be actuated at a point off-center; a pivoted lever for so actuating said actuated means; energy storage mechanism;

andcooperating means acting when said actuated means is so actuated, upon movement of said actuated means towardsaid central position first to store energy in said storage mechanism and then, before said 'actuated means reaches said position, to release said energy, and cause said energy to throw said actuated means past said 1 p osition.

19. An electric switch, comprising: actuated means, movable through a central position and. l

including means whereby to be actuated at a point off-center; energy storage "mechanism; cqoperating means, including a pivoted member, acting when said actuated means is so actuated, upon movement of said actuated means toward said central position first to store energy in said storage mechanism and then, before said actuated means reaches said position, to release said energy, and cause said energy to throw said actuated means past said position; and connections between said actuated means andsaid cooperating means whereby such movement of said actuated means operates said cooperating means.

20. An electric switch, comprising: actuated vmeans, movable through a central position and including means whereby to be actuated at a point off-center; energy storage mechanism; operating means, including a pivotally mounted member constituting an electric switch member, acting when said actuated means is so actuated, upon movement of said actuated means toward said central position first to store energy in said storage mechanism and then, before said actuated means reaches said position, to release said energy, and cause said energy to throw said actuated means past said position; and connections between said actuated means and said cooperating means whereby such movement of said actuated means operates said cooperating means.

21. An electric switch, comprising: an actuated member mounted for oscillating movement; lever means; mounting means for said lever means comprising a pivot on one of said means and a slot in the other of said means; a follower member, operatively associated with said lever means and movable relatively thereto, engageable with said actuated member; resilient means acting against said follower member and said lever means to press said follower member against said actuated member and to normally seat said pivot in one end of said slot; and an actuator member positioned to engage said lever means at a point eccentric to said pivot to move said lever means to store energy in said resilient means.

22. An electric switch, comprising: an actu ated member'mounted for oscillating movement; a slotted lever; a pivot disposed in the slot of said lever; a follower member, operatively associated with said lever and movable relatively thereto, engageable with said actuated member; resilient means acting against said follower member and 0 said lever to press said follower member against said actuated member and to normally seat said pivot in one end of said.,slot; and an actuator member positioned to engage said lever at a point eccentric to said pivot to move said lever to store energy in said resilient means.

23. An electric switch, comprising: an .actuated member mountedfor oscillating movement;

1 a slotted lever; a pivot disposed in the slot of said lever; a follower member, operatively associated with said lever and movable relatively thereto, engageable with said "actuated member; resilient means acting against said follower member and said lever to press said follower member against said actuated member and to normally seat said pivot in one end of said slot; and an actuator member mounted for oscillation and positioned to engage said lever at a point eccentric to said pivot to movesaid lever to store energy in said resilient means.

24. An electric switch, comprising: an .actu- "ated member mounted for oscillating movement;

a slotted lever, having a lateral projection; a pivot disposed in the slot of said lever; a follower member, operatively associated with said lever and movable relatively thereto, engageable with said actuated member; resilient means acting against said follower member and said lever to press said follower member against said actuated member and to normally seat said pivot in one end 'of said slot; and an actuator member mounted for oscillation and positioned to engage said lateral projection to move said lever to store energy in said resilient means. I

25. An electric switch, comprising: a cam member; lever means; mounting means for said lever means comprising a pivot on one of said means and a slot in the other of said means; a follower member, operatively associated with said lever means and movable relatively thereto; engageable with saidcam member; resilient means acting against said-follower member and said lever means to press said follower member against said cam member and to normally seat said pivot in one end of said slot; and an actuator member 7 I 2,044,066 positioned to engage said lever means at a point eccentric to said pivot to move said lever to store energy in said resilient means.

26. An electric switch, comprising: a cam member; a slotted lever; a pivot disposed in the slot of said lever; a follower member, operatively associated with said lever and movable relatively thereto, engageable with said cam member; resilient means acting against said follower member and said lever to press said follower member against-said cam member and to normally seat said pivot in one end of said slot; and an actuator member positioned to engage said lever at a point eccentric to said pivot to move said lever to store energy-in. said resilient means.

27. An electric vswitch, comprising: a cam member; a slotted lever; a pivot disposed in the slot of said lever; a follower member, operatively associated with said lever and movable relatively thereto, engageable with said cam member; resilient means acting against said follower member and said lever to press said follower member against said cam member and to normally seat said pivot in one end of said slot; and'an actuator member. mounted for oscillation and positioned to engage said lever ata point eccentric to said pivot to move said lever to store energy in said resilient means.

28. An electric switch, comprising: a cam member; a slotted lever, having a lateral projec- I .tion; a pivot disposed in the slot of said lever; a

end of said slot; and an actuator follower member operatively associated with said lever and movable relatively thereto, engageable with said cam meinber; resilient means acting against said follower member and said lever to press said follower member against said cam member and to normally seat said pivot in one J member mounted for oscillation and positioned to engage said lateral projection to move said lever to store energy in said resilient means. 1

29. In an electric switch, the combination of a circuit continuing bridge, means for mounting said bridge for oscillation about an axis intermediate the ends of said bridge, an operating member mounted for reciprocation in the same plane with the bridge, transforming means, interposed I in the said plane between the operator and bridge,

engageable with portions of said bridge between said axis and either end of said bridge, for transforming the reciprocable movement of the' operatoy into oscillating movement, to oscillate the bridge upon movement of the operator in one direction, and means for mounting said inter-e posed means separately from the operator and the bridge.

30. A plunger operated electric switch including a circuit continuing bridge, means for mounting said bridge for oscillation about an axis intermediate the ends of said bridge, an oscillating actuator, means engageable with portions of said bridge between said axis and either end of said bridge, to transmit movement of the actuator to i the bridge, a plunger mounted to reciprocate,

means to transmit movement of the plunger in one direction to oscillate said actuator, and means for mounting said actuator separately-from said plunger and said bridge.

- 31. A plunger operated electric switch including a cylindrical casing, a contact carrier disc of insulating material closing one end thereof,

the casing being reduced in diameter for a substantial distance from the other end, a plunger mounted to be guided and reciprocated within said reduced portion of the casing, an electric contact arranged axially in the contact carrying disc, a circuit continuing bracket extending thereabove and secured to said contact, a pair ,of equidistant oppositely disposed contacts arranged in the contact carrying disc on each side of the first-contact, a circuit continuing bridge mounted for oscillation upon said bracket to alternately engage one contact while disengaging the other at the end of each oscillation, actuatrocation of the plunger to engage, travel over the adjacent sloping surfacesand oscillate said actuating means in one direction.

32. The structure of claim 31 wherein the opposite ends of the oppositely disposed sloping surfaces of theactuating means terminates in abutments adapted to be engaged alternately by the operating finger upon continued reciprocation of the plunger to complete the oscillation of the'actuat-ing means first in one direction and then in the opposite direction.

33. The structure of claim 31 wherein the said n bracket is of U shape connected to the contact through its base with its opposite arms slotted to form bearings for oppositely disposed ears of the bridge and perforated above the slots to receive a pivot pin for the actuating means.

34. Thestructure of claim 31 wherein a cylindrical plunger cap is axially secured to the upper end of the plunger and surrounds the reduced portion of the casing and is adapted to reciprocate about the casing therebelow and whei em a coil spring interposed between the interior of the 4 cap closure and the shoulder formed bythe reduced portion of the casing normally maintains the plunger at the upper end of its travel.

35. The structure of claim 31 wherein the plunger is pr'ovided with an axial bore terminating adjacent its upper end and wherein said plunger is provided with a transverse slot to receive the operating finger with the pivot pin thereof mounted in the opposite depending plunger arms formed by'the slot and'a spring pressed biasing meansconstructed and arranged to bear against the ,upper end of the operating finger with the spring thereof received in the axial bore of the plunger to normally maintain the operating finger in axial alignment with the plunger.

36. An electric switch, comprising: a reciproeating operator; an actuator pivotally secured on said operator; a follower means whereby said follower is carried by said operator for cooperation with said actuator; a part ofgsaid actuator being contoured so that movement of said actuator from centralposition in either direction represses said follow r; and spring means acting .on said follower to bias said follower against repressio'n, thereby tobias said actuator toward central position. I

37. An electric switch, comprising: a reciprocating operator; an oscillating actuator means for mounting said actuator separately from said operator; means whereby successive reciprocameans to snap through the remainder of its'move- I tions of said operator in the same direction oscillate said actuator alternately in one direction and in the reverse direction; and cooperating means, coacting with said. actuator to cause said actuator to snap through the remainder of its movement in either direction, not later than when the actuator has passed central position; said cooperating means comprising a member carried by said actuator and means for mounting said member for reciprocation with respect to said actuator; said operator comprising a pivotally mounted operating tongue, and said actuator comprising a surface guiding said tongue alternately to one side and to the other side, on successive reciprocations of said operator. j

' 38. An electric switch, comprising: a reciprocating operator; an oscillating actuator mounted separately from said operator; means whereby successive reciprocations of said operator in the same direction oscillate said actuator alternately in one ,direction and in the reverse direction; and cooperating means, coacting with said. actuator to cause said actuator to snap through the remainder of its movement in either direction, not

later than when the actuator has passed central position; said cooperating means comprising a. member resiliently mounted on said, actuator and a convex member with which said resiliently mounted member slidably coacts.

39. An electric switch, comprising: operating bodily with said operating means; an oscillatable I actuator, operable by said operating means; co-

operating means, including an oscillatable member, 'coacting with said actuator to cause said actuator to oscillate with ,a snap movement; and means for mounting said actuator and eachof said osc'illatable members for oscillation about separate axes.

40. An electric switch, comprising: a reciproeating operator; oscillating actuating means mounted separately from said operator; means whereby successive reciprocations of said operator in the same direction oscillate said actuat ing means alternately in one direction and in the reverse direction; and cooperating means, in-- cluding a part, pivoted intermediate its ends, having lost motion connection with a part of said actuating means, said parts being slidable with respect to each other along the general direction of oscillation of said actuating means, co-

acting with said actuating means to cause said actuating means to snap through the remainder ,oi its movement in either direction, not later than when said actuating means has passed central position, i

41. An electric switch, comprising: a reciprocating operator; oscillating actuating "means mounted separately from said operator; means whereby successive reciprocations of said operator in the same direction. oscillate said actuating means alternately in one direction and in the reverse direction; and cooperating means, coacting' with said actuating means to cause said actuating ment in either direction, not later than when said actuating means has passed central posh tion; said cooperating means comprising, cooperating members one of which is carried by said actuating means, and means for mounting said second named member for reciprocation with 're 'spect' to said actuating means.

than when said actuating means has passed central position; said cooperating means comprising, a member having a surface extending in the general direction of oscillation of said actuating means, andmeans, carried by said actuating means, for slidably engaging said surface, and

means for preventingtranslatory motion of at least a portion 01' said engaged surface with respect to the axis of oscillation of said actuating means. i v

' 43. An electric switch, comprising: a reciprocating operator; oscillating actuating means mounted separately from said operator; means.

whereby successive reciprocations of. said operator in the same direction oscillate said actuating means alternately-in one direction and in the reverse direction; and cooperating means, co-

acting with said actuating means to cause said I actuating means to snap through the remainder means including an oscillatable member movable of its movement in either direction, not later than when said actuating means has passed central position; said cooperating means comprising, a convex member, a fixed support for at least the crest portion of said convex member, for preventing translatory motion of said crest portion away from the axis of oscillation of said actuating means, and means, carried by said actuating:

means, for slidably engaging the convex surface ol' said convex member along the general direction of oscillation of said actuating means.

411. An electric switch, comprising: oscillating actuating means; means for oscillating said actuating means; and cooperating means, coacting with said actuating means to cause said actuating means to snap through the remainder of its movement in either direction, not later than when said actuating means has passed central position; saidcooperating means comprising, cooperating members one of which is reciprocable and is carried by said actuating means; said actuating means comprising two juxtaposed channel shaped portions forming a tubular portion withinwhich said reciprocable member is reciprocably disposed.

45. An electric switch, comprising: a base; a

casing; switch actuating mechanism, unitary with said-base,- having a portion swingable in a predetermined general plane with respect to said base; operating mechanism, unitary with said casing, having a portion swingable in a predetermined general plane with respect to said casing,

adapted to operate said actuating mechanism when said casing is inoperative assembly with said. base; and means so constructed and ar ranged that said casing. and said base may be operatively assembled ony when said general planes are in coincidence.

HARRY A. DOUGLAS. 

